Home Exteriors

Tips for a front yard retreat

Designer Karen Sealy's advice for creating a front-of-the-house retreat to rival any backyard.

Apart from padding out to get the morning paper or let the dog do its business, people often don’t spend much time on their front porches. If you ask Toronto-based designer Karen Sealy, that’s a huge waste. “Canadian summers are always too short,” says Karen, “so when the weather’s warm, we ought to take advantage of every square inch of outdoor space.”

Set the tone and lend a sense of privacy

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

“Decor starts well before you step through the front door,” says Karen. “It begins on the sidewalk.” The porch, what she calls a “half-way space,” as well as the exterior of the home, should give a taste of the interior — in this case, a bright and colourful family home. One way to achieve such a cheery exterior is by updating the colour of your home, which can easily be done with Spray Net.

Another way, is by creating a secluded feel on the porch using layers of lush greenery, which can separate this little haven from the busy street beyond. “This kind of green fence is a lovely way to cut down the noise in a manner that’s cozy for you and pretty for your neighbours,” says Karen. The chunky spindles she chose for the railings (made to mimic the original juliet balcony above) also serve as a great privacy screen.

Reference the surroundings in your decor choices

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

The wicker furniture set echoes the home’s white and butter yellow facade, and its lattice detail emulates the original stained glass windows. The connection between the indoors and out is heightened with accessories in green, purple and pink jewel tones – a palette from mother nature’s handbook – and bold floral patterns.

Decorate with flowers

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

Windowsills, both interior and exterior, make for ideal display spots. Here, an array of blooms is showcased in a collection of glass vases, bottles and jars. “Half of them came from Value Village and some are old Mason jars,” says Karen. Each vessel holds a different blossom, which amounts to a look that’s charmingly eclectic, befitting the rustic setting.

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Make a strong entryway and create zones

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

To create an enterence that beckons inward, Karen chose a classic black front door. “The dark shade grounds the light facade,” she says. Matching accessories, such as the pendant light, mailbox and tall planters overflowing with greenery, lend the desired gravitas. White cladding frames the doorway on one side to create the illusion that the entry is centred (it actually sits to the left from the viewpoint of the stairs).

A chalkboard easel can occupy little artists for hours. "With the kids busy, Mom and Dad can enjoy a glass of wine in the sitting area,” says the designer. Visual markers like the lattice partition wall, chunky corbel and border detailing on the herringbone brick floor are key for divvying up this small, high-traffic space. “Everything has its place, even a bike for shopping at the local market.”

Enhance the mood with lighting

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

Don’t let the setting sun mark the end of your evening – whether it’s a great friend or a good book that’s keeping you company. The sitting area gets a dose of ambience from a rustic branch lantern. “Pop in a citronella candle like this one to ward off bugs,” says Karen, “or opt for a battery-powered LED version if you’re going to leave it unattended.”

Bring the comforts of the indoors out

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Donna Griffith

“The more comfy, cradling elements there are, the more likely we are to use a space,” says Karen, so don’t be afraid to incorporate items like toss cushions or throws. Corralled in a basket, they can be easily pulled under cover when it rains.